REPORT | Thousands rally in Beirut against proposed tax hikes

Thousands rallied in Lebanon’s capital on Sunday against proposed tax hikes that the government has said are needed to avoid a $4bn budget deficit this year.

Authorities are seeking to raise taxes to help pay for a deal on public sector pay increases, which is part of a wider effort led by Hariri to approve the country’s first state budget in 12 years.

“When you consider the fact that many people in Lebanon really don’t have high wages and you consider the fact many have some of the highest rates of personal debt as well, any kind of increase is going to be felt in the pocket book,” he said.